Courchevel, a world-class ski resort located in the heart of the French Alps, is part of Les Trois Vallées, a renowned region in the Tarentaise Valley that holds the title of the largest linked ski area in the world. Offering over 600 km of marked pistes, Courchevel and the neighbouring village of Méribel hosted the 2023 World Ski Championships, which brought together 75 nations and 600 athletes. It’s fair to say that Courchevel is a place where luxury abounds, from the Michelin-starred restaurants to the designer boutiques, attracting the rich and famous.
However, if you’re travelling with kids, your priorities will likely be centred around convenience and comfort. If this is the case, you’ll be pleased to hear that Courchevel is the perfect base for a spot of family fun. Accommodation is within easy reach of gentle slopes, and many of the chairlifts are equipped with special bibs that hold children securely onto the chairlifts. If the adults fancy a child-free night out, there are several agencies offering babysitting services. There’s also plenty to keep the little ones entertained, including a thrilling toboggan trail.
Here are the best family-friendly activities to get stuck into on your next ski break in Courchevel.
Contents:
- Hit the Slopes
- Go Wild at Western Park
- Toboggan & Sleigh All Day
- Skiing Under the Stars
- Rolling in the Strikes
- Rink and Repeat
- Make Waves at Aquamotion
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Hit the Slopes
Courchevel is a fantastic playground for first-time skiers. It offers several wide pistes and dedicated learning areas, known as ‘ZEN’ (Zones for the Evolution of Novices). Head to Courchevel 1850 for access to some of the best beginner slopes. There are multiple green runs, such as Jardin Alpin, which is a gentle path that leads into the forest, and Plan Fontaine, a beginner-friendly run that offers skiers a smooth and steady descent. The Pralong ZEN is a beginner’s area where you can start off with the shorter Ferme drag lift, and once you’ve built up more confidence, you can progress to the slightly longer Altiport drag lift.
Travelling with kids is not for the fainthearted. In between tantrums, toilet breaks, and endless “Are we nearly there yets?”, the experience of holidaying with little ones doesn’t always turn out to be the restful break we had hoped it would be. If the adults are pining for a night out without the kids, there are a range of childcare services available to parents that will give you a well-deserved break (even if it’s for one night only). Some agencies offer nannies who will babysit at your chalet, hotel, or apartment, so your little ones are cared for in a familiar environment. You’ll also have the peace of mind knowing that the kids are being looked after by vetted babysitters, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted quality time with your other half.
Go Wild at Western Park
Western Park, a Wild West-themed snow park located at the top of Ariondaz gondola in Courchevel Moriond 1650, is a fun-filled beginner ski zone built for young children. From the gentle slopes and the wide pistes to the covered magic carpets, Western Park has been especially designed with children in mind. The area is themed around cowboys and Indians, complete with a large teepee which the kids can explore to learn about Native American mythology. The park spans a whopping 25,000 metres, providing ample space for apprentice skiers to practise the sport in a safe environment. There are also plenty of non-ski-related activities for the kids to get involved in, including face painting workshops and archery classes.
Toboggan & Sleigh All Day
Let yourself be carried away by the magic of dog sledding in Courchevel and make memories to last a lifetime. Few things are more exhilarating than an experience through the snowy landscape of Savoie while comfortably seated on a sled guided by the expert hands of a professional musher. The steady rhythm of the huskies’ footsteps and the sight of the snow-capped peaks are enough to rival an authentic Nordic adventure. Dog sledding brings the sights and sounds of the far north to France and gives you the chance to mingle with the lovable four-legged friends who are pulling you along. There’s nothing like feeling the crisp mountain air against your skin as your sled glides effortlessly across the powdery trails. A dog sledding experience is the perfect way for thrill seekers to satisfy their need for speed.
There are two main toboggan runs in Courchevel, the first one being the three-kilometre Moriond racing toboggan run, a track which has been designed to emulate a Formula 1 racing experience. You’ll cruise through Grand Prix-style hairpin turns, sharp bends, tunnels, and the “double serpent” switchbacks, giving you the adrenaline-pumping sensation of being at the wheel of a high-speed race car. The run is suitable for those aged eight and above, with children between 1.10m and 1.25m required to ride with an adult. Tickets generally include the sled, helmet, mask, and access via the Ariondaz gondola.
If that’s given you a taste of life in the fast lane, check out the two-kilometre course from Courchevel 1850 through snow-covered fir trees to Courchevel Village. This run features a steep vertical drop of 300m and an average incline of 15%. The track is also floodlit from start to finish, allowing for both daytime and evening descents. You can gain access to the toboggan run via the Grangettes gondola in Courchevel Village, which is open daily from 9am to 7.15pm.
Skiing Under the Stars
For an unforgettable experience, strap on your skis as night falls and take part in a descent down the slopes as you hold on to a flaming torch, creating a spellbinding golden sea to light up the night sky. In the quiet of dusk, amidst the snowy peaks, this torch-lit descent will add a touch of magic to your alpine adventure. Some companies offer a traditional Savoyard meal at the top of the slopes followed by a descent accompanied by professional guides.
Night skiing gives you the chance to explore the mountains in a new light. The major advantages of night skiing are that there tend to be smaller crowds and night ski passes are generally cheaper than day ski passes. Every Wednesday, Courchevel offers night skiing from 6pm to 8pm on the floodlit Verdons piste. Even though the sun won’t be out, it’s important to wear goggles to protect your eyes from the snow and ice. Remember to opt for a clear or yellow lens to help with night-time visibility.
Rolling in the Strikes
If you’re looking for an indoor activity for when it’s oh-so cold outside, look no further than Bowling 3000 in Le Forum, Courchevel’s largest shopping and leisure centre. A little bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone! Challenge the kids to a game in one of Bowling 3000’s eight alleys – it’ll leave you bowled over with excitement! There are bumpers available for the little ones, but if bowling isn’t right up your alley, there are also billiards and arcade games suitable for all ages. Bowling is sure to work up an appetite, so if the kids start to feel peckish, there’s an on-site restaurant and a bar for the adults. Bowling 3000 is open from 11am to 3am. It’s the perfect venue for a birthday, as you can rent out the space for a private party. You’ve got to be pin it to win it!
Rink and Repeat
When you’re off the slopes, ice skating is one of the best and most affordable ways to let off some steam and keep the kids entertained. There’s an ice skating rink in Le Forum which is open every day of the week except Thursday. There’s no need to pre-book, which is ideal for when the weather turns unexpectedly and you need to find a way to keep the kids occupied for an afternoon. In addition to ice skating, throughout the winter season there are competitive ice hockey matches at the centre. Watching professional players go for gold on the ice is great fun for the whole family. The ice rink also offers eisstock, a traditional Bavarian winter sport similar to curling, which promises to be a barrel of laughs for the entire brood.
Make Waves at Aquamotion
Dive into a world of serenity at Aquamotion, a state-of-the-art aquatic and wellness centre, perfect for a spot of relaxation after a day of skiing. The centre is open year-round and features a range of facilities such as a Balneo spa, sauna, jacuzzi, and hammam, so there are plenty of opportunities to unwind in style. There’s even a climbing wall and a wave simulator for indoor surfing. I’d recommend heading to the Finnish sauna followed by a quick dip in the freezing plunge pool for an invigorating experience that awakens the senses. The iconic wave-shaped building sits between Courchevel Village 1550 and Courchevel Moriond 1650. In 2019, the four-seater Les Grandes Combes chairlift was introduced to connect the area near Aquamotion to Courchevel 1850, making it easily accessible.
The centre is split into two main areas: Aqualudique and Aquawellness, with the latter being an area exclusively reserved for adults. Aqualudique features indoor and outdoor heated pools, water slides, and a shallow paddling pool for young children. Meanwhile, if you decide to upgrade to the Aquawellness area, you’ll have access to the 32℃ waters of the leisure pools. Recharge your batteries at the Roman caldarium or cool down at the ice fountain after a heat treatment. The hydromassage area is also superb for relaxing your muscles after a day on the slopes. One of the standout amenities is the saltwater pool, which can relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. The high salt concentration will allow you to float effortlessly, giving you the sensation of weightlessness that rivals the Dead Sea.
Courchevel is a ski resort with a certain je ne sais quoi that has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. It’s an ideal holiday destination for some family fun but also for those special pockets of time when you’re not on parenting duty and you can enjoy some much-needed R&R without the kids. Now that you’ve figured out what you’re going to do, the next step is to think about where you’re going to stay.
Where to Stay
Residence Le Pacha: Fancy waking up to stunning mountain views every morning? At Residence Le Pacha, luxury comes with the territory. The gorgeous wooden furnishings give the property a homely feel and the decor has a rustic charm. This Alpine cabin is located in Courchevel 1850, a five minutes’ walk away from the ski lifts and 50 metres away from the local supermarket. You’ll also find an artisan bakery nearby, so it’s fresh pastries for everyone come breakfast time. The apartment is fitted with a balcony, dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen, including a microwave, dishwasher, and coffee machine.
Cosy at L’Atrey La Tania: This ski-in, ski-out resort is in a prime location, only 250 yards away from the Troika ski lift, 500 yards away from the Gros Murger ski lift, and 600 yards away from La Tania ski lift. Overlooking the mountains, this 30m² apartment comes with storage space for your skiing equipment, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to keep your gear after a long day on the slopes. The apartment features a well-appointed kitchenette, including tea and coffee making facilities, and comes with a balcony that doubles as an outdoor dining area, so you and the kids can do brunch al fresco. Sheer bliss!
Residence Saboia: This functional and family-friendly aparthotel offers ski-to-door convenience, giving you direct access to the slopes. The property comes with free private parking and Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and explore Courchevel with ease. Guests will have access to a furnished terrace that faces onto the mountains, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views and enjoy the fresh Alpine air, whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or kicking back after a long ski day. The apartment also comes with a dressing room, so you can get ready for a day on the slopes in comfort.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Courchevel from the UK is to fly to Geneva Airport (GVA), then simply pre-book a Shuttle Direct transfer to your accommodation. Finding low-cost flights at a time that suits you shouldn’t be too much of a hassle, as there are over 500 flights scheduled every week, and the cheapest month to fly is in March. The flight from the UK to Geneva Airport is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and several airlines offer direct flights, including British Airways, easyJet, TUI, and Jet2.com. By pre-booking your transfer, you avoid having to navigate public transport or wait in a queue for a cab, so you can be on your way to your chalet as quickly as possible. What’s more, we’ll even transport your ski equipment at no extra cost if you let us know your requirements at the time of booking. Now that’s handy!
Overview
UK to GVA flight time: 1 hour 42 minutes
GVA to Courchevel distance: 150 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 2 hours 38 minutes
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct has a reputation for providing reliable and reasonably priced transfers to and from destinations all over the world. As one of the best value for money services on the market, we’re committed to meeting our customers’ needs in a cost-effective way. We understand that every traveller is different, which is why we don’t make you settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. We strive to make our services the best they can be, which means offering a variety of options to suit all kinds of travellers.
Taxi: When you pre-book a local taxi with us, you’ll get a punctual service in a clean, modern vehicle at great value. This is a door-to-door service that’ll get you to Courchevel in a jiffy. Because you’ve booked in advance, you’ll bypass the long taxi queues and be on your way without delay. You can also book the return journey ahead of time for a prompt departure.
Shuttle bus: When you transfer from Geneva Airport to Courchevel by shuttle bus, you’ll enjoy the benefit of travelling in a well-maintained vehicle at a fraction of the cost of a private transfer. Although this isn’t a door-to-door service, you’ll still be dropped off at a central point convenient to your accommodation.
Private transfer: For the ultimate comfort and convenience, choose a private transfer from Geneva Airport to Courchevel and enjoy the luxury of travelling in a top-of-the-range private vehicle exclusive to your family. Your professional driver will greet you at the airport and you’ll be escorted to your vehicle. With no stops along the way, you’ll be at your accommodation in no time.
Minibus transfer: With a minibus transfer from Geneva Airport to Courchevel, you can kiss goodbye to logistical headaches, as the whole family will be able to travel together to the doorstep of your accommodation. Because you’ll be travelling in a larger capacity vehicle, there’ll be sufficient space for your luggage as well as any skiing gear you decide to bring along.
Choosing the Right Transfer
With so many airport transfer options to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for you. However, the decision often comes down to cost and convenience and which one is a greater priority for you.
Cost: If you’re after a budget-friendly transfer option, your best bet is to opt for a shuttle bus. Because the cost is shared between other passengers, the price per head is lower, so you can reserve the majority of your holiday budget for fondue Savoyarde because, let’s face it, everyone loves a bit of melted cheese!
Convenience: On the other hand, if your primary concern is convenience and money is no object, then a private transfer is the option for you. You’ll have the luxury of a premium service where you and your family can travel alone with no stops or detours along the way.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct has been providing top-quality transfers that customers can count on for several decades. As one of the leading providers of onward transport in Europe and beyond, we’re committed to making your journey a comfortable one every step of the way. We cater to globetrotters of all kinds, so pre-book with us today and we’ll handle the heavy lifting.
